Don’t resort to politics of the street – Pianim cautions NPP

Kwame Pianim has cautioned that people should not misinterpret the interview he granted the African Watch Magazine about NPP’s decision to boycott some activities in Parliament. He has cautioned the New Patriotic Party not to resort to politics of the street.

“I hope that people who are reacting have read the interview and are not reacting to other peoples’ summary of what the interview is about.”

According to the leading member of the opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP), going to court is a good thing; every Ghanaian has the right to exercise that right however “we should not lose sight of the need to rebuild the [NPP] party.”

Mr. Pianim responding to comments and criticisms coming from members of the NPP on his African Magazine interview said “it does not help boycotting President related issues or events. I don’t want selective non-participation in governance by my elected MPs.” He described the actions of the NPP as dangerous, reckless and irresponsible.

Mr. Pianim explains that the law is very clear on actions taking by the President of the land. “Once the Electoral Commissioner has declared someone as the winner; whether as a Parliamentarian or President, he is the President and if reversed then he cease to be President.”

“But the framers of our constitution were very clear that all lawful actions taken by such a President is valid and binding on all of us,” he noted.

“We’ve gone to court let the courts decide; if we knew that we have won the election for sure maybe we should have gone to sit in the Castle,” Mr. Pianim added.

“If we say we are law abiding, let us all be law abiding and let governance go on, don’t let us resolve to politics of the street.”

“What I am saying is we should not set an example that if visited on us we will not like. We should not behave as if the law does not exist. We cannot have selective adherence to the law,” he concluded.